Annabel's Cactus Garden

I started thinking about a little girl who picked a large bouquet of cactus to bring home. In my vision the cactus would be harmless and not be prickly to Annabel... I just thought it was a funny idea. In the end I gave Annabel a whole garden to look after rather than a little bouquet. She looks a bit out of place with her little dress in the midst of a western garden. I am a New England transplant and although I've grown to love and appreciate the western landscape I will always be a wee bit out of place with so many prickly things!

I painted or dyed the fabrics using raw edge appliqué and embroidery to complete the design.

My first sketch of Annabel. 

Next I decided on what type of cacti she would grow in her garden. 

Detail of Annabel's Cactus Garden

I plan to create another design for the Thorns & Spikes theme that will be more "mature". Once Annabel got into my head I just had to get her out before I could move on!